How to Choose Drumsticks: Sizes, Woods and Tips
If you're not sure where to start, choose 5A hickory sticks with a wood tip: the size most drummers use, good for playing both loud and soft. For jazz, small rooms or small hands, go down to 7A; for rock and metal, up to 5B or 2B. On an electronic kit, nylon tips work better.
There's no fixed rule: in the end you're the one who has to find the pair that feels right. Here are the four things that change a drumstick the most (size, wood, tip and finish), so you can narrow it down before trying them. If you'd rather go straight to the models, you'll find them all in drumset drumsticks and the rest of our drumsticks (marching, timbales, brushes, rods…).
What's the difference between 5A, 5B, 7A and 2B drumsticks?
The number and letter tell you the thickness and weight of the stick. There are countless models, but these four are the most common, and 5A is the reference the others are compared with:
- 5A: by far the most popular model among drummers. A medium diameter that lets you play loud or soft.
- 5B: thicker than 5A. Often used in rock or by drummers who want something heavier than a 5A.
- 7A: thinner and lighter than 5A, so they produce less volume. Great for jazz, for situations where you don't need much volume, or for younger drummers.
- 2B: especially thick. Usually chosen for hard rock or heavy metal.
| Model | Reference diameter and length* | Weight and volume | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7A | 0.540" (13.7 mm) · 15.5" (39.4 cm) | Light, low volume | Jazz, small rooms, small hands and kids |
| 5A | 0.565" (14.4 mm) · 16" (40.6 cm) | Medium | Almost everything, and the best place to start |
| 5B | 0.595" (15.1 mm) · 16" (40.6 cm) | Heavier, more volume | Rock, and anyone who wants more weight than a 5A |
| 2B | 0.630" (16 mm) · 16.25" (41.3 cm) | Very heavy, lots of volume | Hard rock and heavy metal |
* Vic Firth American Classic sizes. Each brand has its own, so a 5A can vary slightly from one maker to another.
Which wood is best for drumsticks: hickory, maple or oak?
Drumsticks are made from many woods these days, but the most common are hickory, maple and oak. Each one feels different, mainly because of how flexible it is and whether it passes vibration on to your hand or absorbs it.
Hickory
Hickory is the most widely used wood: medium durability, flexibility and vibration. If in doubt, start here.
Maple
Maple is lighter and more flexible than hickory. It doesn't last as long and passes less vibration to your hand.
Oak
Oak is denser: it outlasts hickory, transmits much more vibration and is less flexible.
| Wood | Weight | Flexibility | Durability | Vibration in the hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory | Medium | Medium | Medium-high | Medium |
| Maple | Light | High | Lower | Low |
| Oak | Dense | Low | High | High |
Wood tip or nylon tip?
Once you've picked the wood, it's time to choose the tip. There are two materials to start with: wood and nylon.
- Wood: the most common, and a good choice for most uses. The downside is that it can chip with heavy use. There are many tip shapes; if you're not sure, start with an oval one.
- Nylon: gives a brighter cymbal sound and is tougher than wood.
Which drumsticks should I use on an electronic kit?
We recommend nylon tips: they don't chip, so they leave no wood splinters on mesh pads, and they have no effect on the electronic sound. You'll find a selection in electronic drums drumsticks.
How can I get a better grip on my drumsticks?
The finish isn't just about looks: it has a big effect on grip. Every brand uses its own lacquer designed for a good hold, and the main ones also offer options for drummers who need extra grip:
- Vic Firth's Vic Grip and Zildjian's Dip models have a rubber coating on the middle of the stick that makes them easier to hold.
- Promark's The Natural models have no lacquer at all, which also helps stop them slipping.
- Promark's ActiveGrip models have a finish that gets tackier as your hand warms up.
If you already have a favourite pair, you can add extra grip with accessories such as Ahead Grip Tape (from €8) or Meinl SB507 stick wax (from €7). There's more in drumstick accessories.
What are the best drumstick brands?
There are endless drumstick brands, but only a few with real history and product development behind them. A pair of sticks isn't just two pieces of turned wood: today we expect much more, such as both sticks weighing the same, quality wood and perfectly straight sticks. In our view, these are the brands that do it best:
Which drumsticks sell the most?
The three 5A pairs that leave our shop most often are a good place to start:
- Wincent 5A Dynabeat/Select (from €6): our best-selling 5A.
- Vic Firth 5A American Classic (from €13): the classic hickory reference.
- Soul 5A Hickory (from €5): a hickory 5A at a very tight price, ideal for keeping a spare pair handy.
Here are all our tips in one video (in Spanish):
Drumstick FAQs
Which drumsticks do most drummers use?
5A hickory sticks with a wood tip. Their medium diameter lets you play loud or soft and suits almost any style, which is why they're the best place to start.
5A or 7A for a child?
Usually 7A: they're thinner and lighter than 5A, so they're easier to handle with small hands and they play at a lower volume.
Which sticks should I use on the snare drum?
On a drum kit, the snare is played with the same sticks as the rest of the kit (5A, 7A, 5B…). Marching and procession drums use specific sticks, longer and heavier: you'll find them in drum drumsticks.
What are drum sticks made of?
Mostly hickory, maple or oak, with a wood or nylon tip. They're chosen by size (7A, 5A, 5B, 2B…).
Which tip is best for electronic drums?
Nylon: it doesn't chip, leaves no wood splinters on the pads and has no effect on the electronic sound.
As always, if you need technical or any other advice about any of these drumsticks, you can contact us at:
- Phone: +34 954 907 226
- WhatsApp: +34 672 655 950
- Email: info@tamtampercusion.com
- And of course at our shop in Mairena del Aljarafe, Seville
We hope you found this article useful.
Meet the expert behind this article
Víctor Manzanares
Drum kit and cymbal specialistPutting his experience with drum kits and cymbals at the service of every customer, so you can choose, with clear and real information, the percussion instrument that truly suits you.
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